TigerDC announces $3B Spartanburg investment
January 27, 2026
Major Investment to Generate Millions in Annual Tax Revenue, Create High-Paying Jobs, and Support America’s AI Infrastructure
TigerDC announced Project Spero, a next-generation, AI-focused high-performance computing data center planned for the Tyger River Industrial Park – North. The project marks TigerDC leadership’s second major investment in Spartanburg County, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the region and its role in supporting critical American digital infrastructure.
Project Spero is a privately financed development designed to deliver substantial economic value while operating within an existing industrial corridor under strict local, state, and federal oversight. The project is expected to generate millions in annual county property tax revenue, supporting schools, public safety, and essential services without adding residential growth pressures or strain on county infrastructure.
“Spartanburg has become a second home for me,” said Jerry Tang, CEO of TigerDC. “This is a community that values responsible growth, and TigerDC has already shown we can be a dependable long-term partner. Project Spero builds on that track record and reflects our commitment to continued investment alongside trusted local partners.”
Trusted Local Partnerships and Proven Track Record
TigerDC has previously developed and operated a bitcoin mining facility in Spartanburg County since 2022. That facility was permitted, built, and brought online responsibly and has operated for years without disruption to surrounding communities. Project Spero builds on that experience and on longstanding partnerships with respected local and regional entities, including Pacolet Milliken, and Lockhart Power.
Economic Impact and Workforce
Phase I of Project Spero is expected to support approximately 50 full-time positions focused on high-skilled technical and operational roles. These positions will offer competitive compensation, with wages well above recent regional per-capita income levels, reflecting the specialized expertise required to operate the facility.
In addition to permanent roles, the project is expected to generate significant construction activity and indirect economic benefits through contractors, suppliers, and service providers during the development phase.
Modern Design Addressing Past Industry Concerns
Project Spero has been designed to address many of the concerns associated with older-generation data centers. The facility incorporates modern efficiency standards for utilities, advanced emissions controls, and extensive noise mitigation measures. All operations will comply with local, state, and federal noise, air quality, and emissions regulations, with ongoing oversight by Spartanburg County, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, the South Carolina Public Service Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Data center design has evolved significantly over the past decade,” Tang said. “Project Spero reflects those advances by addressing the concerns associated with older facilities and applying today’s best practices in efficiency, safety, and environmental protection.”
Power and Water Service
Project Spero will be served by existing industrial utility infrastructure, separate from residential systems.
“Project Spero will not cause an increase in Lockhart’s customer rates,” said a representative of Lockhart Power. “Furthermore, the facility is being served through existing industrial electrical infrastructure, plus enhancements to that infrastructure that are being funded entirely by the Project, resulting in a more robust electrical grid.”
In addition, TigerDC plans to self-generate a portion of its power on site using natural gas as part of a reliability strategy. On-site generation will be fully permitted and regulated and is intended to reduce reliance on the electric grid while enhancing operational resilience.
Water usage at the facility is expected to be limited, with a practical impact comparable to a light commercial operation, such as a large home improvement store. The design relies on air-cooled and closed-loop cooling systems, eliminating the need for expanded water infrastructure and ensuring no disruption to existing customers.
Environmental Stewardship and Responsible Land Use
As the industrial landowner, Pacolet Milliken emphasized the project’s limited environmental footprint and alignment with long-standing sustainability practices.
“This project is being developed in an established industrial area with ample land and infrastructure to support both its initial and long-term needs, while prioritizing environmental protection and responsible land stewardship,” said a spokesperson of Pacolet Milliken
Enterprises. “Unlike large-scale land conversions seen elsewhere, this site was designed to minimize impact, while supporting sustainable economic development.”
The facility will feature dark-sky compliant lighting, LEED-aligned design principles, and comprehensive safety and security systems, including 24/7 on-site security and coordination protocols with local emergency services.
America First Infrastructure and National Security
Project Spero supports the growing national demand for secure, domestic computing capacity that underpins healthcare systems, financial networks, communications, and national defense. This investment helps ensure critical digital infrastructure remains reliable and protected here at home.
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with Phase I operations anticipated in 2027. Named after South Carolina’s state motto, Dum Spiro Spero — “While I breathe, I hope” — Project Spero reflects confidence in Spartanburg County’s future and TigerDC’s long-term partnership with the community.
